Barclaycard unveils three new wearable payment devices

Any UK consumers with Mastercard or Visa cards can use devices to make contactless payments

Barclaycard has launched three new wearable payment devices that allow UK consumers to make contactless payments at more than 300,000 locations.

Three devices – a wristband, fob and sticker – can be purchased and linked to Barclaycard’s bPay digital wallet which can be topped up by any Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card to pay.

Contactless transactions have a limit of £20 per transaction currently although the payment method’s popularity will see that limit increased to £30 from September. There were 319 million contactless payments made in 2014, a yearly rise of 331 per cent. They totalled £2.32 billion.

The devices come in a number of different form factors and prices. The most expensive is the ‘durable and adjustable’ bPay wristband which costs £24.99.

The bPay fob, which can be attached to a key ring or bag, costs £19.99 and a sticker which can be put on any flat surface costs £14.99.

All devices are linked to an online portal and smartphone application which allows users to top up their balance and view their transactions in real-time.

The devices go on sale on 1 July and can be purchased from bpay.co.uk, as well as from Cycle Surgery and Runners Need outlets nationwide.

“We’re in the midst of a sweeping change in the way we pay, with cash-dominated transactions being replaced by ‘touch and go’ contactless technology that has made it easier, safer and faster to make low-value payments,” said Barclaycard digital consumer payments managing director Mike Saunders.